HEALTHY AT HOME
A WEIGHTY CONVERSATION BY DEELLE HINES
Local health care professionals share their opinion on why some kids are carrying too much weight and what we can do as parents to keep them healthy in body and spirit.
The North Shore
O
besity is an epidemic. It affects 1 in 4 Canadian adults and 1 in 10 Canadian children.According to Health Canada, the obesity rates among children have nearly tripled in the last 30 years. Let me repeat that, the obesity rates among CHILDREN have nearly TRIPLED in the last 30 years! This alarming statistic proves we have a major issue on our hands.
What is childhood obesity? Childhood obesity is a serious medical condition that affects children and adolescents. It occurs when a child’s weight is way above the norm for their height and age.These children carry abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair their health.
“It is important to note, there are many healthy, overweight children. It is normal for some children to carry more weight depending on their stage of development,” says Barbara MacLean, a local registered psychologist.“We have to recognize that if our children’s diets are nutritious and they are physically fit, their body development is otherwise out of their control.” The big concern parents should have is when a child goes from being slightly overweight to obese.
What are the leading causes of childhood obesity? Dr.Alexandra Laskowski, a local pediatrician says “the leading causes of childhood obesity, in my opinion, are lifestyle and family history.Today’s lifestyle of computers, gaming and TV are at a high.
ah! Fall 2016 - 24
